The Pacific Symphony Presents JULY 4 WITH BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY

Get ready to shake, rattle and roll and celebrate "July 4 with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy," as Pacific Symphony kicks off its Summer Festival 2014, presented by Mercedes-Benz. Traditionally the best-attended concert of the year, the Symphony's annual July 4 extravaganza honors American heroes and includes a moving fireworks finale orchestrated to patriotic classics. At the center of this year's holiday concert are the cool cats of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (BBVD), seven original and two new members of the ensemble that initiated the swing revival of the 1990s with their recreations of Cab Calloway and the Big Band style. The group rocketed to its first phase of stardom when the hits "You Me & the Bottle Make Three (Tonight)" and "Go Daddy-O" were featured in the 1996 film, "Swingers," starring Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau. Taking the stage with the full symphony orchestra led by Principal Pops Conductor Richard Kaufman, BBVD promises to have the audience swinging in the aisles and grooving to the beats with high-energy songs like "Mr. Pinstripe Suite," "I Wanna Be Like You" and music from their newest album, "Rattle Them Bones."

"The eight-piece outfit conjured up the ghosts of old-time gin joints, down the stairs Speakeasies and hot Harlem night clubs where the air was filled with music and the dance floor never got cold." - The Charleston Gazette

Dust off those zoot suits or Fourth-of-July gear and head to Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine on Friday, July 4, at 8 p.m. for a night of swingin' holiday fun. Tickets range from $25 (lawn seating) to $105 (orchestra seating); children under 14 are half price in most sections with the purchase of an adult ticket. Guests are welcome to picnic on the grounds of the amphitheater starting at 6 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call (714) 755-5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.

"There's nothing like the fun, excitement and great music of a Fourth-of-July celebration with Pacific Symphony in our outdoor home at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater," says Maestro Kaufman. "It's a family atmosphere where everyone shares in the spirit of America. This coming Fourth, the audience will be on their feet, dancing and singing along to the swingin' sounds of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. And with the amazing fireworks finale, there'll be no doubt that it's the birthday of the U.S.A.!"

The Symphony's Independence Day celebration opens with orchestral music commemorating the American hero before diving into the swing era with BBVD. "Americans love their heroes, whether they are real or fictional," says Kaufman. "On the first half of this year's July 4th concert, we are shining the spotlight on several of these iconic American heroes, including General George Patton, the men who fought the battle of Midway during WWII, the dignified lawyer Atticus Finch from 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' and the courageous astronauts whose story was told in 'The Right Stuff.' We'll also present John Williams' moving score from 'Saving Private Ryan,' as well as the annual tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces."